Under a Red Moon

Currain jogged down the windswept Newfoundland beach. He hated this time of year. Halloween was coming up. Despite his desire to be a human, Currian had to turn into his demonic form on Halloween. It was the price he had to pay.

Currian had been a demon for many millennia. He knew he was immortal and had powers but he just wanted to be a human and live a normal life. Even if it meant he would die. There were a few stories of demons becoming human. Currian didn’t know if he believed them. No one he knew had ever become mortal. So Currian thought that becoming mortal was an unattainable hope.

As he continued his jog down the foggy and snow ridden beach, he noticed an orange lifeboat ahead of him. It was strange that a lifeboat, or any boat should be out stranded on a desolate beach this time of year. So he went up to check it out.

In the life boat, Currian found an emaciated woman. Her long red hair was strung out across her body. The woman’s lips were chapped and she could barely move in the freezing weather.

The woman looked up at him and muttered “fuck, death at last”. She slumped back into the lifeboat, utterly defeated. Currian knew she wasn’t dead, if there was one thing he knew after all his eons on earth it was death. This woman was just exhausted.

Currian hoisted her up in his arms. The woman weighed next to nothing. He didn’t even need to use his supernatural strength. Currian debated on whether he should help this woman or not. Halloween would be here soon and he’d be an entirely different entity.

It would be a red moon. Red moons were always the time he underwent his most painful transformations. Still he knew without help that this woman would perish. He was a devil but he had a minuscule amount of empathy in him. Cosmic forces, beyond his own understanding, compelled him to help this woman.

So he picked the woman up in his arms and carried her to the abandoned 1920s mansion that he had been living in. Back in it’s day it had been quite a posh place. Now the paint was peeling and rot crept throughout the house. The forsaken mansion was lost to the moral world. No humans ventured here. Currian lived alone. Still he didn’t need much and Currian hid out in the wilderness so no one would disturb him or find his dark secret.

Currian gently laid the woman down on the moth-eaten sofa and “summoned” a thick blanket and some water for her. Currian always “summoned” or “liberated” things when he needed them. No one cared that furniture and chairs had been “liberated” from Enron or that Bernie Madoff’s entire wine cellar had disappeared. Currian was a Robin Hood in this aspect. He took from the unscrupulous. No one minded. A thief can’t complain if another thief steals from them.

Currian put the thick woolen blanket on the woman. He tried to get a bit of water down her parched throat. She choked on it. Her eyes looked up at him in panic as she shrank back onto the sofa. Right now, when she was in a vulnerable state, she could see his demonic form. He didn’t blame her for being alarmed but wished he could spare her the unnerving experience she was having.

Despite her moment of terror, the distressed woman fell back exhausted on the sofa. Currian was content with the fact that at least she was warm. He figured right now the best things for her were warmth and sleep.

Knowing Halloween and the his time of transformation was near, Currian went out and caught a deer. He could have easily “summoned” some food. But, he knew he would be fighting his demon in the upcoming days and it would be best to get all of his animalistic instincts out now.

Out in a forest, he tore the deer to bits. Warm red blood streamed down his face like a river, his serrated fangs tore at bits of it’s flesh. Soon it was gone. Shredded to nothing. Bones and all were gone. Currian knew he had to get his curious visitor something to eat. He caught a rabbit.

When he returned to the house the woman was awake. She was sitting up on the old sofa. She turned to stare at Currian. Currian just looked at her memorizing sea green eyes. This woman was beautiful. She was stirring emotions deep within him. Emotions he had not felt in eons, if ever. Emotions he considered to be mortal, so why was he, a devil, feeling them?

“Hi…I’m Cara. The last thing I remember…well I suppose it doesn’t matter much what it was. Are you the only person here? Did someone else bring me to this cabin?” questioned Cara. There was a bit of alarm in her voice.

“No, I’m the only one here. My name is Currian. I’m the only soul for miles. It’s pretty much wilderness in this part of the world. But, I found you in a lifeboat on the beach and brought you here. My house isn’t much but it’s warm and I have food. I’m making some soup for dinner.” stated Currian.

He didn’t want Cara to know about his demonic side for now. Currian just wanted companionship and no judgement. He needed a friend after he had been on his own for so long.

“Could you tell me how you got to that remote beach? Not many people come to this part of Newfoundland this time of year. It’s nearly winter and we have icebergs forming and huge winter hurricanes. It’s really not safe for someone, especially a delicate lady like yourself to be out on the ocean alone. Let me know how I can help you, Cara. I want to help you. I’m at your service.”

As Currian spoke he wondered if Cara would take him up on his offer or if she would bolt. She had an alarming experience after all both on the ocean and when she saw him in his demonic form.

“Oh…thank you? I think I would have died out there if not for you. I was in that boat for days I think. It’s hard to tell with the lack of light up here. It was just SO SO cold. I think I’ll always remember that bitter cold and polar wind. But, this house is nice and warm. This soup is delicious by the way. It tastes like the woods and I mean that as a good thing.”

Currian blushed and looked away. He wasn’t used to being talked to like that. Perhaps, eons ago another demon told him he’d done a good job, but those words had never been uttered to him by a human.

They’d always been too frightened by him. Still here was a damaged woman praising him. Currian knew she was only doing it because she didn’t know the real him. Once she found out the truth, Cara would abhor him. It wasn’t her fault.

Cara continued to talk as she ate her soup. “I suppose I should tell you how I got to that beach. I don’t think I did anything wrong…if I did please, please don’t turn me into the cops!”

Currian poured a cup of creamy hot chocolate for her. He knew Cara needed to keep her strength up. He had no intention of turning her into the cops. Currian was sure he had done far worse things in his life than whatever it was that Cara had done.

Cara took a long sip of her hot chocolate and continued. A chocolate foam mustache appeared on her upper lip. Currian took his hand and wiped it off. Surprisingly she didn’t bolt from his rough touch.

Currian loved touching her skin. It was soft like satin. He imagined exploring her skin more. Currian wanted to take his hands and trail them down. He wanted to worship Cara. But, he knew he had to banish these thoughts; it would be unfair to Cara to start a relationship. He wouldn’t be able to continue it. Currian was content listening to Cara’s story. It had been too long since he had conversed with someone.

“I met this guy on Tinder..Bryce. We went on a few dates and I thought we could have a relationship. Then he invited me on a boat trip. He said we would take an autumn sail up the coast of New England. We could see the leaves changing and just have an all around good time. We were just off the coast of Newfoundland’s Sheep’s Cove when we met up with what I guess you’d say is a contact.”

Cara was sobbing, her small body was trembling and Currian placed a hand firmly on her shoulder to steady her. He felt it was his duty to comfort his guest.

“Then I found out that Bryce was a cocaine smuggler. He meets up with this person every six months or so and gets coke from him. I was there and you probably could say I was a patsy in case the cops caught up with us or something. Bryce didn’t even like me. He was just using me for illegal purposes. It was all a ruse!” cried Cara. She grabbed onto Currian’s side and cried heavy tears into his shoulder.

“I really liked Bryce too. Why is there something wrong with all the men I date? Am I just some magnet for attracting assholes? Still ultimately, I suppose he saved my life…sorta…Bryce insisted that I go in a lifeboat. The contact wanted to drown me then and there. There was a huge fight…I passed out but somehow I ended up in the lifeboat…it was SO cold. Then I was adrift at sea for days…maybe a week. But, you saved my life Currian. You’re a good man. Thank you so much!”

Cara stopped her crying for a second. She wiped her tears away. Then she threw her arms around Currian and lightly kissed Currian gently on the cheek. It startled him. He’d never experienced an emotional display like that. No one, neither demon or human, had embraced him for centuries.

Currian didn’t know what to do or say. He was glad Cara was better. But, what could he do with her now? Halloween’s red moon was coming up and she’d be sure to ask questions when he transformed into his demonic form. Still, he didn’t want to cast her out into the cold. Cara wasn’t well. If he cast her out in her fragile state she might die. That would make him as bad as Bryce the cocaine smuggler. He didn’t want to be another asshole in her life. She was a nice lady and didn’t deserve that.

Cara had said that he was a good man and he wanted to be that for her. Currian decided that he would let Cara stay a few more days. That way she could regain her strength. He thought he could keep his “humanity and be a good man” and not attack her on Halloween. It would be hard but he could do it…hopefully. Cara deserved to be with a guy who wasn’t an asshole.

The night grew late. Curria and Cara made small talk. Currian had been nearly everywhere in the world. He had seen the pyramids when they were being built. However, he wasn’t about to let Cara know that. He just pretended to be a well traveled man.

As the night progressed, Cara let out a big yawn. “Oh, I’m so sorry…I’m just tired and it must be miles to the next town. I don’t mean to be any trouble but can I stay here? I don’t know anyone besides you Currian. You don’t have a spare room do you?” questioned Cara.

Currian knew it wasn’t Cara he had to worry about. It was his potential behavior. Still he wanted her to stay. “There’s no spare bedroom in this house. Just mine, but you’re not well. You sleep there and I’ll sleep here on the sofa. It’ll all work out fine. I can rough it for a night or two.”

Cara started to protest. It was his house after all and she didn’t want to be a nuisance. She had ruined Currian ‘s life enough already. But, Currian wouldn’t have any of her protests.

“You’re sick and I’m healthy. You can have the bed as long as you make breakfast for me in the morning. I’m not a great chef as you can probably tell from tonight’s dinner.”

Cara was too tired and run down to protest. She just wanted to sleep. “Deal” she said with a yawn. Cara barely made it to the bedroom before falling into a deep sleep. Currian stood in the door and looked at her waifish frame.

It was nice to have someone to talk to. Cara wasn’t in any trouble like she assumed. He was worried about himself and his approaching transformation. Would his demonic side harm Cara? Could he control himself around her? He wanted to.

Currian didn’t need to sleep so he stayed outside of the bedroom all night long listening to Cara’s breathing. It came regularly and he knew that she was getting better. Cara was safe, warm and no longer starving. Still, Currian didn’t want to cast her out. She could stay for a few days. Currian was lonely and needed a friend.

The sun came up and Cara still slept. It had been a rough few days for her at sea so Currian let her sleep. She slept late into the afternoon but Currian was content just to listen to her breathing. He knew Cara was getting better. That was enough for him.

Suddenly, he heard her getting up. “Shit, shit, shit…what am I going to do about breakfast? He’s going to be so mad at me. Shit shit shit!” Cara was struggling to get into her jeans.

The bedroom door quickly swung open and she was running her hands through her hair in a desperate but vain attempt to comb it. Cara saw Currian in the hall, leaning up against a wall, smirking at her.

“I’m so sorry…I meant to make you breakfast and all of that. I don’t have a phone for my alarm…I guess I was just tired and slept. You’ve done so much for me and I’ve done nothing for you. How can I make it up to you, Currian?” Cara gave up her vain attempt to comb her hair and stared at Currian.

For a brief moment, Currian thought about all the ways Cara could “make it up” to him. Then he recovered. He was ashamed of his thoughts. Cara was his guest. He shouldn’t be having lascivious thoughts about her.

“Don’t worry about breakfast, believe it or not I can make my own breakfast. It’s good that you slept. You needed it Cara. You’re looking better or at least you have more color in your cheeks. Come and get something to eat.”

Currian led Cara through the ruined mansion to the kitchen. Cara noticed the dilapidated state of the manor. She wondered why someone would live in such a wreck of a home. But she was too polite to say anything. Currian had been nice in taking her in.

The couple eventually arrived at the kitchen. It was scant in supplies. Currian had been smart in “summoning” some basic sandwich ingredients.

“Uhmm…I’m sorry I don’t have many things that ladies like…kale…quinoa…other stuff. I just have stuff for me. I basically live off coffee, bread and KD. My kitchen isn’t the tidiest either. I wasn’t expecting guests. Not many visitors make it all the way out here…sorry.” said Currian.

Currian honestly was sorry. Why hadn’t he cleaned up while Cara was sleeping? His house looked like a pigsty. He was a demon but that was no excuse for him to live in a dump. Currian also wondered why he hadn’t summoned something more gourmet for Cara. He knew it didn’t have to be Eggs Benedict and espresso but at least he could have summoned her some Cherrios.

Despite Currian’s messy home and meager supplies, Cara was as cheerful.

“I’ll make due Currian. I survived out on the freezing ocean for a few days so your meager supplies seem like a feast. I’ll cook something up!” Cara busied herself in the kitchen. Currian watched her in amusement. She dusted spots in the kitchen and dining room that he hadn’t touched.

It was a simple supper. Just Kraft Dinner with hamburger but Cara and Currian had a wonderful dinner together. Since there was no dishwasher, Cara and Currian washed the dishes together. Cara washed them and Currian dried. He stacked the plates neatly in a cupboard.

After they got done, Cara asked “What do you do around here for fun?” She had assumed Currian used the house as a hunting cabin instead of a remote fortress. Currian was used to living in solitude. The freezing cold of Newfoundland’s late autumn didn’t bother him with his warm demonic blood. So Currian spent time outdoors, jogging up and down beaches and exploring the woods.

Due to his love for the outdoors and solitude, his home was sparsely furnished and without human supplies. Currian wondered to himself, what could he do with Cara? He had no TV or internet. There were no modern luxuries which humans loved so much. Bed, food and chair was all that he needed, so it was all that he had. Still he had to do something with her. Currian was surprised that he found himself WANTING to do something for her.

Currian lied. “Uhmm…I have some games in the other room. I’ll go fetch them. Cara you like anything in particular?” Currian was hoping to know more about Cara but also eager to talk. It had been too long since he had spoken to anyone. He wanted companionship.

“How about chess, I used to be on my high school’s team..if you don’t know how to play I can teach you. As team captain it was my job to teach all the new freshmen. We went to State twice! I’m not good enough to be a professional or anything though. But, it’s fun!” proclaimed Cara. She was excited, her face flushed a tempting red.

Currian nodded yes. He knew how to play chess. So he went into the next room and “summoned” it. The couple gathered in the chilly living room to play it. Dusk came and the old house began to grow cold. Cara shivered. She was too nervous to ask Currian for anything so she drew herself closer to him for warmth. His demonic body radiated heat keeping her warm.

Currian thought it was nice as Cara placed her head on his shoulder. Cara’s long red hair spilled down on to his chest. Currian admitted to himself that she was really good at chess. He hadn’t won a game! He was almost tempted to use his demonic powers to beat her. But, it was fun to have someone challenging him. Currian knew that Cara probably could have been a professional chess player if given the chance.

They played late into the night. Currian made some more hot chocolate and the couple drank it together. Cara yawned.

“I’m so sorry Currian. I know I slept nearly all day. I’d love to stay up and play chess some more. It’s just that I’m SO sleepy. I’ll be up bright and early tomorrow. What a day we’ll have! Again I can’t thank you enough for letting me stay here.” Cara ran her hand through Currian’s hair and went back to her bedroom.

The next day was October 30th. Currian knew he’d have to leave before he transformed on Halloween. He didn’t want to frighten Cara. She was his friend. Or at least the closest thing he had to a friend. Currian knew he needed to give Cara some excuse for his abrupt absence. He was fairly sure he wouldn’t hurt her but fairly sure wasn’t good enough. Cara deserved the best. If he hurt her he’d be as bad as Bryce, the cocaine smuggler.

Currian watched Cara sleep the whole night through. She slept soundly with him as her guardian. He was there when she woke up the next morning.

“Cara, I hate to leave you alone. But, there’s a huge blizzard coming. My old pickup isn’t so reliable. I wouldn’t want to get caught in the middle of bad weather, but I need to go into town for supplies. You’ve probably noticed I don’t have much food in the house. It’s a long drive to civilization. I should be back on November 1st.

Cara accepted Currian’s statement and walked hand in hand out to his worn out Chevy with him. “Stay safe on your trip into town. I wouldn’t want anything to happen to you Currian. Have fun!” stated Cara. She waved goodbye to Currian.

He drove his battered Chevy down the road out of sight. Then he got out of the old car. He walked back through the woods to an abandoned room in his decaying house. Making sure he wasn’t seen.

On the night of Halloween Eve, as the red moon was rising, Currian locked himself in one of the mansion’s spare rooms. Here he had solitude. Here there was no chance of hurting his new friend. Everything should be…no…everything would be alright. Currian just had to get through the next 24 hours. Then everything would go back to normal and he could go back to Cara. He would make sure that she remained unharmed. Even if it came at the cost of his own life. Currian had just met her but Cara was the most precious thing in his life.

Currian’s transformation to a devil happened as it usually happened. His body changed: his skin turned to scales, spikes justed out from his back, horns appeared on his head. His hands turned to claws.

Currian knew he looked like a monster. He felt like one too. Currian didn’t want to hurt Cara. He had no idea what he’d do in his current demonic form. Currian longed to be with her but the best thing was to stay away from her. That way she’d be safe.

He let out his usual screams and moans at his transformation. Despite all his eons of transformations, the time Currian spent as a human made his morphing quite painful. All the noise alarmed Cara. She came rushing to the spare room. Currian thought he would be safe in his solitude. He had locked the door after all. But, Currian hadn’t counted on Cara’s kind heart. Kindness wasn’t something he’d experienced very often.

Cara was terrified at the dreadful noises coming from the spare room. She knew she had to take care of Currian’s house while he was gone. Currian had been so nice to her. She couldn’t let her new friend’s house be robbed or burned down while he was gone. Cara had a responsibility to the man who had been so friendly to her. Currian was the first non-asshole man she’d known in a long time. She was a stranger to him. Yet, he was looking after her. Cara knew that Currian was a true gentleman.

Cara kept pounding at the door. She was determined to get to the bottom of this mystery and protect her friend’s house. Eventually, through sheer will she got it open. There was Currain crouched in the corner. He was in his demonic form.

Cara looked like she was going to scream when she saw him. But, she took a deep breath and kept it together. Some supernatural mystery was going on here and she was determined to find out what it was.

“You’re some sort of demon aren’t you…here for Halloween?” questioned Cara.

Currian nodded his head yes and tried to shuffle further away from Cara. He couldn’t speak without sprouting fire. It was hard having Cara next to him. He didn’t want to hurt his new friend.

Cara looked afraid but determined. “Currian said there was a big blizzard coming. He went out for supplies earlier today. He said it would take awhile. I don’t’ have a phone so I can’t call him…you didn’t eat or hurt him did you?”

Currain took a deep breath. He was perplexed that the first question Cara asked was for his safety rather than hers. Currian thought she should worry more about herself and the peril she was now in because of him.

Frustrated, he ran his claw like hands through his long icy blue hair and stared in desperation at the ceiling. He was in demonic form but he had no malevolent intentions. How could he explain this to Cara?

An exacerbated Currian slowly shook his head no. He needed Cara to leave before this situation escalated. Currian used his magic to transport her to the main room. Away from him. He noticed that as he transported her out, she’d scratched her arm on a loose nail. Blood was pouring out. He had hurt his friend. Currian was sure Cara would bolt. That was what she should have done when she first saw him. He had no one to blame but himself.

Still, Currian heard Cara talking to herself in the kitchen. That was where he had sent her. “Dishcloths, towels…napkins. There’s got to be something around here to stop this bleeding. Gods, Cara what are the odds something like this would happen to you? Ah paper towels…cleaning myself up. Now I’m going back to see what the fuck is going on!”

She was coming back! Cara wasn’t leaving even though he’d hurt her. This was good? This was bad? He wanted this right? He was elated. He was terrified. He crouched in his corner. He looked up as Cara pushed the door open and walked in. “You are Currian, aren’t you?” she questioned briskly with determination. Currian nodded yes at this.

Currian was breathless as Cara knelt in front of him. He watched as his new friend took his hands in hers. She didn’t mind that they were clawlike and scaly. Cara surprised him by kissing his palms. Ashamed of what he was, Currian tried to pull his hands out of Cara’s but she stood up. Cara attempted to yank him up. Currian got up for Cara and wondered what was going to happen.

“Well, I can’t leave you in here silly. It’s dusty, cold and I’m fairly sure it’s full of black mold. Let’s go into the main room.”

Cara led him out to the hall. Currian followed the determined woman into the main room. He told himself he was doing it for Cara. If she remained in the spare room, she’d catch a cold. But, if Currian was truthful with himself, he was doing it because he was lonely and this woman wanted to be with him.

The couple got to the main room. “Well Currian, we’re here. I enjoyed playing chess with you last night. Let’s play again.” The couple played chess again. When Cara won a game she was a bit afraid that Currian might become upset and lash out. But, nothing happened. They just continued playing.

They played late into the night and Cara fell asleep on Currian. When she woke up Halloween had passed. It was November 1st. Currian had transformed back into his usual self. He woke up with Cara in his arms. Cara turned to look at him.

Cara looked perplexed. But, she took his face in her hands and ran her hands all over. She explored the top of Currian’s head where his horns had been. She ran her hands down to his palms. Currian’s hands were no longer clawlike. They were soft, human hands.

“Oh, you’re you again…good I think? Now could you explain to me what the fuck happened? Questioned Cara.

“I’m human like you. I’m a demon…a devil. You should stay away from me Cara. This form isn’t the real me. The real me is a devil. When I’m a devil I could break every bone in your body without even trying. I don’t know how I avoided killing you last night. My powers should have killed you when you started bleeding. It was some miracle that the Cosmos granted me. Tomorrow I’ll take you into town. You can be with other humans. Ones who deserve to be with you.” said Currian ashamed of himself and his abhorrent behavior.

“Have you always been a demon because you certainly haven’t been acting like one. You’re kind and gentle. There’s more to you than you know Currian. I’d like to stay awhile, if that’s alright with you.” questioned Cara.

Currian sighed in frustration at Cara’s question. He didn’t like to talk about it. He didn’t want to talk about it. But, if anyone deserved to know it was Cara.

“No…I wasn’t always a demon. Before the universe and time began I used to be an angel. Then I…well all of us rebellious angels wanted our freedom. We wanted to liberate ourselves and humans. We wanted free will instead of blind obedience. SO for that, we were all turned into demons…humans have free will now and us former angels are all demons. That’s life I suppose.” bemoaned Currian. He buried his face in his hands again. Ashamed of himself and what had happened.

Cara made her way behind him. She embraced Currian, ran her fingers through his hair and kissed the top of his head.

“Thank you for that…I suppose. It’s hard to know what to say now. But don’t send me away. I like just being here with you even if you are a demon. Let me love you? Begged Cara. Her voice was thick with desire.

Currian still had carnal passions even though he was a demon. Being around Cara had made him hard. He did want her. So he didn’t protest as Cara practically dragged him to the bedroom. He watched Cara strip out of her clothes. Her breasts were already erect due to the biting autumn cold. Had a human woman ever willingly gotten naked before him?

Cara led him to the bed. She pushed him down. She was willing. Cara could be his! Currian was also ready but trepidatious. He was a demon after all. Did Cara really know what she was getting into. Could she ever know?

“Cara, I really need to know one thing before we do this. Look at me!” command Currian as he flipped Cara around and pinned her down. He held her firmly.

“Tell me what you actually think…the truth. I need to know.” Currian still lay on top of Cara. Still a human, but instantaneously he morphed.

He was a demon. A devil. His eyes turned blood red and his hands became claws. A rush of guilt ran through Currian. He knew he had trapped Cara with his demon. He watched her squirm beneath him. His claws were digging into her soft back. Still Cara remained, ensnared by his tight grip. But, she hadn’t kicked him or bolted away.

“Do you really want a wicked and unearthly devil to make love to you?” Currian questioned his voice was barely a whisper.

Rationally, Currian told himself he wanted to know. He needed to know. But, deep in his heart Currian didn’t want or need to know. Currian only wanted Cara. Currian didn’t know if he could live with the truth.

Cara looked away from him at the wall. She didn’t want to answer Currian. She wanted her feelings to be her own. After all, they had just met and she had never experienced the supernatural before. But, Currian was above her waiting for an answer. Cara gave him one. The truth. She knew he could tell if he lied to her.

“No,” she finally said and continued looking away not wanting to meet his gaze.

Currian nodded. His ancient heart ached. He questioned why he was dismayed at the answer he had expected. How could he expect a caring and gentle woman like Cara to love a devil like him? She had dated a lot of assholes and he was just another asshole in a long line.

Still, Currian wanted his beloved to be sated. After her traumatic experiences, Cara deserved to experience bliss.

This whole situation was his own fault after all. Why had he needed to know so badly? Now everything between him and Cara was ruined. Currian felt Cara move in need beneath him. Looking away from Cara, he moved his mouth to her breast, determined to bring her a night of memorable night of pleasure before she would leave him forever.

Cara was trembling with passion. But, something was wrong. She wondered why Currian’s mood changed? She didn’t understand why he was looking away from her. They were just two lovers spending some time together. Weren’t they?

Currian had told her demons had no feelings. They just existed as empty vessels. Cara took Currian’s head and forcefully made him look at her. Currian still had Cara pinned and his claws still dug painfully into her back. But, his eyes had returned to the deep sea blue that made her forget what he really was. They were a little glazed and confused. Currian was worried that she had decided to stop this now that he had made her admit she didn’t want it.

“It you…it’s the real you that I want. Whatever, that is. I want that form to make love to me,” Cara softly whispered in Currian’s ear.

He looked into her eyes searching for some cosmic answer. Currian shook his head. “I have no idea what you’re talking about. I am me. I am only me…”

Cara took a deep breath, sighed and caressed Currian’s face. Cara wondered how could she make him understand? “You, the human you. Or the devil if you consider that the real you.,” she explained. “I want you to be whoever you truly are around me. Not the other ½ of you that you’re trying so hard to hide.”

In exasperation, Currian shoved Cara’s passionate overtures away. Why did she have to be so practical? So human?

To her surprise, Cara found herself outside the bedroom. Currian was looking at her. “I can’t do this woman, for the love of all things, I just can’t. I am a devil but I have human instincts. They may be buried deep but they’re still there.” Currian was hard. His voice was heavy with remorse and frustration. He was raking his hands through his hair again.

“What’s wrong?” asked Cara. She was very puzzled. Cara wanted to enter the room again. Still, Currian’s mood made her wary. Was she mistaken in thinking that they had wanted each other. She had wanted him as either a human or demon. Cara only wanted her beloved. Didn’t Currian want her?

“I DO want you woman…Cara. It’s just that I’m a demon and I might hurt you. You don’t know what you’re getting into. You don’t understand that I could use my magic to make you go or make you stay. You can’t comprehend these forces at all.I know because I don’t understand them myself.” Currian was ashamed of his past and afraid of the future. He buried his head in his hands. Cara didn’t deserve this at all. She should have something better. Someone better. Not an asshole like him.

Nonetheless, the passing of time between the two lovers was meaningless. Cara left the door yet again. She strode up to the bed and cradled Currian in her strong embrace. As Cara held him, Currian thought that just having Cara embrace him would be enough…it had to be enough. How could she want him?

Knowing that her beloved was uncertain. It was Cara who took the lead. She drew herself up to her full height but barely reached Currian’s chin. Cara ran her little hands through his hair, trying to straighten it and to comfort Currian. She kissed his forehead. “Well, what do you…what does your inner self want? Forget the world, heaven, hell, mortals, immortals…morals. What do YOU, you Currian, want?”

Currain looked squarely down at this courageous woman. He had never really thought about himself before. What DID he want? Currian had always played the rules of Hell, Heaven or mortals. He had never made them for himself…what did he want? What were HIS rules? Currian didn’t know. He could only trust his instincts.

Over the past few days Currian had become bewitched by Cara. Currain had been wondering what to do with her. She was only a human, so why did he care so much about her? What cosmic force drew them together? He’d considered using his demonic powers to send her away. But he couldn’t bring himself to part with her. There was something about this woman. He was drawn to her like a moth to a flame. She was beautiful, yes, but he’d seen many beautiful women in his time.

Cara was intelligent and intriguing; her conversations with him had been like a ray of light in his immortal world. But…there was something more. In all his time on this mortal plateau, Currian had never been so inexplicably drawn to anyone like he was drawn to her.

Suddenly, it didn’t matter to Currian anymore. The heart wanted what the heart wanted. it was more than obvious that they both wanted each other. Currian laid Cara down on the bed. He looked her deeply in the eyes and firmly kissed her. Then he made his way south. Currian gently took Cara’s nipple in his mouth. He sucked, greedily engulfing all of it in his mouth. Cara moved above him in passion and need. Still he lingered, unsure of what to do. He looked at Cara.

“Oh..please, do this. I want YOU to make love to me.” She whispered boldly.”Currian I need you. I want you! Have me, have all of me.” demanded Cara.

Currian’s hands moved of their own accord. His nostrils flared as he eyed her possessively. Her breasts, full and pink-tipped filled his palms, her nipples straining against his hands. She was beautiful and his heart tightened as he gently touched her. He had a romance! He had a lover after all these years!

Cara smiled as she felt Currian kiss her neck. No longer nervous or worried, Currian took his time now. He wanted to please her! Currian warmed her skin with his mouth and hands. Cara reciprocated. Her small hands traced over the muscles that made up his shoulders and arms, alternating between kneading and running her fingers lightly over his chest and stomach until he was panting with need.

Below him, Cara wantonly spread her legs when she felt him touch her there. She moaned when she felt his finger slip into her wet folds.

“I’m bigger than mortal men. This is going to hurt, Cara” He warned gently, nibbling on her lower lip. She shook her head in acceptance.

“I don’t care. I’ll be alright. I want you!” begged Cara.

Her determination made his cock twitch. He wanted her as much as she wanted him.

“I will go slow. I’ll be careful…like you’re made of crystal.” stated Currian. He was determined not to hurt her.

Currian angled his head to kiss her deeply and slowly added another finger with the first. Her inner muscles clenched around him. With the palm of his hand, he rubbed against her clit. Cara trembled in his strong arms.

She was so wet for him. She was so ready for him. Currian concentrated on her pleasure, and felt her press closely against him. With three fingers in her now, he quickened his pace.

“Does this feel good my little love?”

“Yes,” she moaned. “Oh!” His thumb pressed lightly on her clit and he felt her fingers dig into his arms.

“Spread your legs” ordered Currian. His husky voice only further entranced Cara. She did as he bid. Currian lifted her until her legs wrapped around him. He positioned her above his cock and rubbed the swollen head along her dripping slit.

Their eyes locked together. The couple knew there was no stopping now. Neither Heaven or Hell could stop the lovers.

“Guide me into you” Currian ordered in desperation. Without breaking their gaze, Cara held his cock as he slid into her. Cara gasped. She’d never felt so stretched before and the heat of him inside of her made her moan.

Knowing Cara was enjoying it, Currian held her firmly, letting her adjust to him.

He moved steadily, controlling their rhythm. Her legs wrapped tightly around him and he reveled in the feel of their sweat covered bodies felt against each other. She felt so good around him, just as he expected. He watched her now, red hair spread all over the sheets. She was panting and giving out little mews. Suddenly, her entire body became tense.

“Cum for me, baby.” He demanded hoarsely. “That’s it, cum for me.” As Cara bucked, her nails digging into his back, Currian continued to thrust into her. Soon with a deep groan, he emptied himself into her.

Still Currian knew he had it in him to go again. He wanted to bring Cara more of the pleasure that she deserved. He looked at his beloved beneath him. Cara winked at him, eager for more. Currian pulled out until only the head of him remained inside of her and she braced herself. Cara began to move her hips with him, trusting her instincts.

Currian closed his eyes briefly as her inner muscles tightened heavenly around his cock. “Gods,” He wrapped his strong arms around her, lifting her over him as he began to move faster. “That’s it, ah, you feel so good, inside me Cara. We belong together.”

Cara arched her back so she could take him even deeper. Their mouths met in hot kisses, breathing in each other’s moans as he worked his staff deep within her. Cara felt the first spasms of her passion. It slowly escalated and then, out of nowhere, she cried out and dug her nails into Currian’s strong back.

Currian watched in wonderment as her climax brightened her eye. Cara’s gaze never left his. It was a look of trust and adoration. The rippling of her inner muscles caused his cock to swell and he let go. He cried out her name as he shuddered. He grunted, feeling her body grow lax in his arms. “Cara…”

His mind was numb. Nothing else in the universe mattered but this very moment, their bodies slicked with sweat, their hearts pounding. Currian never felt an orgasm as intense as this one. Currian knew a lover, mortal or immortal, had never brought him this level of pleasure. He had never brought anyone that pleasure. Currian snuggled close to Cara on the bed. He still held her tightly. She was his and HIS alone!

That was when Currian realized. Here, in this brief moment with Cara in his arms, he was content. He was happy. There was no heaven or hell, no dark past. Only Cara mattered. Currian listened as her breathing became steady and quiet. He enjoyed the smell of her. He smiled at the thought of them together. They were lovers as it should be. It was the last clear thought he had before he fell into a deep dreamless sleep.

A long night passed. Without glancing outside, Currian already knew it was midmorning. Cara moving in the bed next to him gave him a shock. His eyes trailed down the arm to his beloved with her dark red hair spread all over her pillow. Memories of last night flashed before him.